Harnessing neuroplasticity: modern approaches and clinical future

Neuroplasticity-related effects of vitamin D relevant to its neuroprotective effects: A narrative review

The pathophysiology of a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, has been associated with impairment of neurogenic and synaptogenic processes. Therefore, pharmacological and/or nutritional strategies based on the stimulation and/or restoration of these processes may have beneficial effects against diseases in which these processes are impaired. In this context, vitamin D has emerged as a promising neuroprotective compound. Due to its pleiotropic properties, it can interact with multiple molecular targets and thereby affect different cell types, including neurons and glial cells. This neurosteroid contributes to CNS homeostasis by non-genomic and genomic mechanisms through its interaction with vitamin D receptors (VDRs). Among several properties of this vitamin, its role in neuronal proliferation and differentiation as well as in synaptic plasticity has received attention. Considering this background, this narrative review aims to highlight the neuroplasticity-related mechanisms of vitamin D that may be associated with its neuroprotective effects.

Innovation at the Intersection: Emerging Translational Research in Neurology and Psychiatry

Translational research in neurological and psychiatric diseases is a rapidly advancing field that promises to redefine our approach to these complex conditions [...].

Modulations in neural pathways excitability post transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation among individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Introduction

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS), a non-invasive form of spinal cord stimulation, has been shown to improve motor function in individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the effects of different types of TSCS currents including direct current (DC-TSCS), alternating current (AC-TSCS), and spinal paired stimulation on the excitability of neural pathways have not been systematically investigated. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effects of TSCS on the excitability of neural pathways in adults with non-progressive SCI at any level.

Methods

The following databases were searched from their inception until June 2022: MEDLINE ALL, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinical trials. A total of 4,431 abstracts were screened, and 23 articles were included.

Results

Nineteen studies used TSCS at the thoracolumbar enlargement for lower limb rehabilitation (gait & balance) and four studies used cervical TSCS for upper limb rehabilitation. Sixteen studies measured spinal excitability by reporting different outcomes including Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), flexion reflex excitability, spinal motor evoked potentials (SMEPs), cervicomedullay evoked potentials (CMEPs), and cutaneous-input-evoked muscle response. Seven studies measured corticospinal excitability using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and one study measured somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) following TSCS. Our findings indicated a decrease in the amplitude of H-reflex and long latency flexion reflex following AC-TSCS, alongside an increase in the amplitudes of SMEPs and CMEPs. Moreover, the application of the TSCS-TMS paired associative technique resulted in spinal reflex inhibition, manifested by reduced amplitudes in both the H-reflex and flexion reflex arc. In terms of corticospinal excitability, findings from 5 studies demonstrated an increase in the amplitude of MEPs linked to lower limb muscles following DC-TSCS, in addition to paired associative stimulation involving repetitive TMS on the brain and DC-TSCS on the spine. There was an observed improvement in the latency of SSEPs in a single study. Notably, the overall quality of evidence, assessed by the modified Downs and Black Quality assessment, was deemed poor.

Discussion

This review unveils the systematic evidence supporting the potential of TSCS in reshaping both spinal and supraspinal neuronal circuitries post-SCI. Yet, it underscores the critical necessity for more rigorous, high-quality investigations.

The therapeutic effects of saikosaponins on depression through the modulation of neuroplasticity: From molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications

Depression is a major global health issue that urgently requires innovative and precise treatment options. In this context, saikosaponin has emerged as a promising candidate, offering a variety of therapeutic benefits that may be effective in combating depression. This review delves into the multifaceted potential of saikosaponins in alleviating depressive symptoms. We summarized the effects of saikosaponins on structural and functional neuroplasticity, elaborated the regulatory mechanism of saikosaponins in modulating key factors that affect neuroplasticity, such as inflammation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, and the brain-gut axis. Moreover, this paper highlights existing gaps in current researches and outlines directions for future studies. A detailed plan is provided for the future clinical application of saikosaponins, advocating for more targeted researches to speed up its transition from preclinical trials to clinical practice.

Neuroprotective Effects of Moderate Hypoxia: A Systematic Review

Emerging evidence highlights moderate hypoxia as a candidate treatment for brain disorders. This systematic review examines findings and the methodological quality of studies investigating hypoxia (10-16% O2) for ≥14 days in humans, as well as the neurobiological mechanisms triggered by hypoxia in animals, and suggests optimal treatment protocols to guide future studies. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Searches were performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, in May-September 2023. Two authors independently reviewed the human studies with the following tools: (1) revised Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias for randomized trials 2.0; (2) the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions. We identified 58 eligible studies (k = 8 human studies with N = 274 individuals; k = 48 animal studies) reporting the effects of hypoxia on cognition, motor function, neuroimaging, neuronal/synaptic morphology, inflammation, oxidative stress, erythropoietin, neurotrophins, and Alzheimer's disease markers. A total of 75% of human studies indicated cognitive and/or neurological benefits, although all studies were evaluated ashigh risk of bias due to a lack of randomization and assessor blinding. Low-dose intermittent or continuous hypoxia repeated for 30-240 min sessions, preferably in combination with motor-cognitive training, produced beneficial effects, and high-dose hypoxia with longer (≥6 h) durations and chronic exposure produced more adverse effects. Larger and methodologically stronger translational studies are warranted.

Antidepressive mechanisms of rhynchophylline in mice with chronic unpredictable stress-induced depression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Uncaria rhynchophylla ([Mi] Jack) (gouteng) exerts antidepressive effects. Rhynchophylline (RH), a major component of U. rhynchophylla, exerts similar pharmacological effects to those of gouteng. Thus, RH may have antidepressive effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-depressive effects of RH in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive mice. The anti-depressive mechanism of RH determined by measuring the 5-HT levels, the expressions of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in cortex and hippocampus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The behaviors of CUMS-induced depressive mice were measured using an open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). 5-HT levels were measured using an ELISA kits. The expressions of BDNF and CREB were determined using western blot test.

RESULTS

RH increased the frequency of rearing and grooming in the OFT and decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST. RH effectively increased the 5-HT level and BDNF and CREB expressions in the cortex and hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the antidepressive mechanism of RH is related to increased levels of 5-HT from regulating CREB and BDNF expressions in cortex and hippocampus.

Functional Outcomes of Motor Learning Interventions in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the pathologies that affect the daily and professional life of the majority of athletes. When the treatment options are examined, there are two options surgical treatment and conservative treatment. Rehabilitation is essential in both cases, with or without surgery. Especially for returning to sports, long-term rehabilitation after surgery has become essential. While many different exercise methods have been tried in the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury and rehabilitation after reconstructive surgery, many have focused on strength training. The abnormal movement pattern that occurs with the somatosensory loss seen after anterior cruciate ligament injury results in a functional loss in the injured extremity and the contralateral extremity in the long term. Considering the incidence of injury, studies to establish the normal movement pattern and restore motor control are very important. For this reason, motor learning-based interventions that support neuroplasticity are of great interest today. This review aims to examine the functional results of current motor learning-based interventions in anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation in line with the literature.

Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors

BACKGROUND

Despite the growth of psychedelic research, psychedelic-assisted group psychotherapy (PAGP) has received little attention in comparison to individual psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy models.

METHODS

In this article, we aim to discuss the therapeutic potential of PAGP, as well as outline existing models and the challenges of this approach. Using Irvin Yalom's 11 therapeutic factors of group therapy as a basic framework, we analyse current literature from clinical studies and neurobiological research relative to the topic of PAGP.

RESULTS

We argue that combining psychedelic substances and group psychotherapy may prove beneficial for increasing group connectedness and interpersonal learning, potentially enhancing prosocial behaviour with direct opportunities to practice newly acquired knowledge about previously maladaptive behavioural patterns. Challenges regarding this approach include a more rigid therapy structure and potential loss of openness from patients, which may be ameliorated by adequate therapeutic training.

CONCLUSION

We hope for this article to support clinical research on PAGP by presenting a therapeutic framework and outlining its mechanisms and challenges.

Quality standards and recommendations for research in music and neuroplasticity

Research on how music influences brain plasticity has gained momentum in recent years. Considering, however, the nonuniform methodological standards implemented, the findings end up being nonreplicable and less generalizable. To address the need for a standardized baseline of research quality, we gathered all the studies in the music and neuroplasticity field in 2019 and appraised their methodological rigor systematically and critically. The aim was to provide a preliminary and, at the minimum, acceptable quality threshold-and, ipso facto, suggested recommendations-whereupon further discussion and development may take place. Quality appraisal was performed on 89 articles by three independent raters, following a standardized scoring system. The raters' scoring was cross-referenced following an inter-rater reliability measure, and further studied by performing multiple ratings comparisons and matrix analyses. The results for methodological quality were at a quite good level (quantitative articles: mean = 0.737, SD = 0.084; qualitative articles: mean = 0.677, SD = 0.144), following a moderate but statistically significant level of agreement between the raters (W = 0.44, χ² = 117.249, p = 0.020). We conclude that the standards for implementation and reporting are of high quality; however, certain improvements are needed to reach the stringent levels presumed for such an influential interdisciplinary scientific field.

Stress-induced reduction of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 promotes maladaptation of neuroplasticity and exacerbates depressive behaviors

Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by abnormal neuronal activity in specific brain regions. A factor that is crucial in maintaining normal neuronal functioning is intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis. In this study, we show that chronic stress, which induces depression-like behaviors in animal models, down-regulates the expression of the hippocampal Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger isoform 1, NHE1, a major determinant of pHi in neurons. Knockdown of NHE1 in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons leads to intracellular acidification, promotes dendritic spine loss, lowers excitatory synaptic transmission, and enhances the susceptibility to stress exposure in rats. Moreover, E3 ubiquitin ligase cullin4A may promote ubiquitination and degradation of NHE1 to induce these effects of an unbalanced pHi on synaptic processes. Electrophysiological data further suggest that the abnormal excitability of hippocampal neurons caused by maladaptation of neuroplasticity may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. These findings elucidate a mechanism for pHi homeostasis alteration as related to MDD.

An EEG-based asynchronous MI-BCI system to reduce false positives with a small number of channels for neurorehabilitation: A pilot study

Many studies have used motor imagery-based brain–computer interface (MI-BCI) systems for stroke rehabilitation to induce brain plasticity. However, they mainly focused on detecting motor imagery but did not consider the effect of false positive (FP) detection. The FP could be a threat to patients with stroke as it can induce wrong-directed brain plasticity that would result in adverse effects. In this study, we proposed a rehabilitative MI-BCI system that focuses on rejecting the FP. To this end, we first identified numerous electroencephalogram (EEG) signals as the causes of the FP, and based on the characteristics of the signals, we designed a novel two-phase classifier using a small number of EEG channels, including the source of the FP. Through experiments with eight healthy participants and nine patients with stroke, our proposed MI-BCI system showed 71.76% selectivity and 13.70% FP rate by using only four EEG channels in the patient group with stroke. Moreover, our system can compensate for day-to-day variations for prolonged session intervals by recalibration. The results suggest that our proposed system, a practical approach for the clinical setting, could improve the therapeutic effect of MI-BCI by reducing the adverse effect of the FP.

Neuroplasticity as a Foundation for Decision-Making in Space

This is an exploratory review of two very recent, intersecting segments of space science: neuroplasticity in space, and decision-making in space. The high level of neuroplasticity in humans leads to unfortunate neurological and physical deconditioning while the body adjusts to the new space environment. However, neuroplasticity may also allow recovery and continued functioning of decision-making at a level necessary for mission completion. Cosmic radiation, microgravity, heightened levels of carbon dioxide in spacecraft, and other factors are being explored as root causes of neurological and physical deconditioning in space. The goal of this paper is to explore some of the lines of causation that show how these factors affect the capacity of humans to make decisions in space. Either alone or in groups, it remains essential that humans retain an ability to make decisions that will save lives, protect equipment, complete missions, and return safely to Earth. A final section addresses healthcare, medical intervention, and remediation that could help to “harness” neuroplasticity before, during, and after spaceflight. The dual nature of human neuroplasticity renders it both a cause of problems and also potentially the foundation of remediation. The future of research on both neuroplasticity and human decision-making promises to be full of surprises, both welcome and otherwise. It is an exciting time in research on space medicine.

Targeting the Erk1/2 and autophagy signaling easily improved the neurobalst differentiation and cognitive function after young transient forebrain ischemia compared to old gerbils

The hippocampal neurogenesis occurs constitutively throughout adulthood in mammalian species, but declines with age. In this study, we overtly found that the neuroblast proliferation and differentiation in the subgranular zone and the maturation into fully functional and integrated neurons in the granule-cell layer in young gerbils following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was much more than those in old gerbils. The neurological function and cognitive and memory-function rehabilitation in the young gerbils improved faster than those in the old one. These results demonstrated that, during long term after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, the ability of neurogenesis and recovery of nerve function in young animals were significantly higher than that in the old animals. We found that, after 14- and 28-day cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, the phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, p90RSK, and MSK1/2 protein levels in the hippocampus of young gerbils was significantly much higher than that of old gerbils. The levels of autophagy-related proteins, including Beclin-1, Atg3, Atg5, and LC3 in the hippocampus were effectively maintained and elevated at 28 days after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in the young gerbils compared with those in the old gerbils. These results indicated that an increase or maintenance of the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 signal pathway and autophagy-related proteins was closely associated with the neuroblast proliferation and differentiation and the process of maturation into neurons. Further, we proved that neuroblast proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus and cognitive function were significantly reversed in young cerebral ischemic gerbils by administering the ERK inhibitor (U0126) and autophagy inhibitor (3MA). In brief, following experimental young ischemic stroke, the long-term promotion of the neurogenesis in the young gerbil’s hippocampal dentate gyrus by upregulating the phosphorylation of ERK signaling pathway and maintaining autophagy-related protein levels, it overtly improved the neurological function and cognitive and memory function.

Regulation of Neurogenesis and Neuronal Differentiation by Natural Compounds

Neuronal damage or degeneration is the main feature of neurological diseases. Regulation of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation is important in developing therapies to promote neuronal regeneration or synaptic network reconstruction. Neurogenesis is a multistage process in which neurons are generated and integrated into existing neuronal circuits. Neuronal differentiation is extremely complex because it can occur in different cell types and can be caused by a variety of inducers. Recently, natural compounds that induce neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation have attracted extensive attention. In this paper, the potential neural induction effects of medicinal plant-derived natural compounds on neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs), the cultured neuronal cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are reviewed. The natural compounds that are efficacious in inducing neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation include phenolic acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, quinones, coumarins, and others. They exert neural induction effects by regulating signal factors and cell-specific genes involved in the process of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation, including specific proteins (β-tubulin III, MAP-2, tau, nestin, neurofilaments, GFAP, GAP-43, NSE), related genes and proteins (STAT3, Hes1, Mash1, NeuroD1, notch, cyclin D1, SIRT1, reggie-1), transcription factors (CREB, Nkx-2.5, Ngn1), neurotrophins (BDNF, NGF, NT-3) and signaling pathways (JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, GSK-3β/β-catenin, Ca2+/CaMKII/ATF1, Nrf2/HO-1, BMP). The natural compounds with neural induction effects are of great value for neuronal regenerative medicine and provide promising prevention and treatment strategies for neurological diseases.

A physiatrist's understanding and application of the current literature on chronic pelvic pain: a narrative review

Understanding the complex, multifactorial nature of chronic pelvic pain can help physicians determine the pain's etiology and thus refer specialists to include in the multidisciplinary treatment required.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a highly prevalent condition which is underdiagnosed and poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to outline the various aspects of the nature of CPP, including its etiologies, clinical presentation, and nonoperative treatment options. For data collection, a PubMed search was conducted using indexing terms such as chronic pelvic pain and pelvic pain. Literature reviews and studies focusing on etiologies, clinical presentation, and/or the diagnosis of CPP were compiled for review by a team of 3 physiatrists. Studies investigating conservative treatments, medications, and interventional procedures for CPP and related conditions with comparable etiologies were also included. Of the 502 articles retrieved, 116 were deemed suitable by the team for this study. Although CPP is a complex, multifaceted condition, a particular susceptibility to nociceptive stimuli was demonstrated as an underlying theme in its evolution. There are many treatment options currently used; however, more robust evidence, such as randomized controlled trials, are needed before creating comprehensive guidelines for treating CPP.

Radial nerve palsy following humeral shaft fracture: a theoretical PNF rehabilitation approach for tendon and nerve transfers

Background:Humerus fracture-induced radial nerve injury can create severe and permanent disabilities. Purpose:Surgical management often relies on either tendon or nerve transfer. Regardless of which procedure is selected, physical therapists are challenged to restore functional outcomes without jeopardizing repair healing. Through synergistic, multi planar upper extremity movement patterns, neuromuscular irradiation, or overflow, and neuroplasticity, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) may improve strength, range of motion and tone. Methods:After reviewing the literature, a five phase PNF-based treatment approach is proposed with timing differences based on the selected procedure. Findings:Phase I (2 or 4 weeks pre-surgery for tendon or nerve transfer, respectively) consists of comprehensive patient education; Phase II (4-6 or 1-2 weeks post-surgery for tendon or nerve transfer, respectively) explores variable duration peripheral and central nervous system motor learning during isometric activation to enhance central neuroplasticity; Phase III (7-12 or 3-20 weeks post-surgery for tendon or nerve transfer, respectively) incorporates low-intensity motor control including contralateral isotonic upper extremity loading to maximize overflow and neuroplastic effects; Phase IV (13-26 or 21-52 weeks post-surgery for tendon or nerve transfer, respectively) adds high-intensity strength and motor control using ipsilateral isotonic upper extremity loading to maximize overflow and neuroplastic effects. Phase V (27-52 or 53-78 weeks post-surgery for tendon or nerve transfer, respectively) progresses to more activity of daily living, vocational, or sport-specific training with higher intensity strength and motor control tasks. Conclusions:Through manually guided synergistic, multi planar movement, overflow, and neuroplasticity, a PNF treatment approach may optimize neuromuscular recovery. Validation strategies to confirm clinical treatment efficacy are discussed.

The Neuroplastic Adaptation Trident Model: A Suggested Novel Framework for ACL Rehabilitation

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common in athletic populations and there are many factors that contribute to a return to play decision. Human movement is diverse and variable, and it is important for patients recovering from an ACL injury to develop a variety of movement strategies for athletic performance. Variability of movement during sport may help to decrease injury risk by preparing the individual to handle many different situations and improve problem solving. ACL injuries result in neurophysiological dysfunction due to a disruption of the afferent information from the native mechanoreceptors in the ligament. Following injury, the brain enters a neuroplastic state and can adapt and change positively or negatively based on the rehabilitation or lack thereof. This commentary presents a novel framework for rehabilitation called the Neuroplastic Adaptation Trident Model that takes into account respected methods for attempting to achieve positive neuroplastic changes. This structured framework provides clinicians with reproducible methods to employ as part of the rehabilitation process to maximize motor control and motor learning. Suggested dosage and implementation are proposed to lead to a consistent and gradually progressive challenge throughout the entire rehabilitation process that takes advantage of the time from surgery until return to play. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to describe the Neuroplastic Adaptation Trident model and provide examples for clinical implementation. This method should be studied further to determine true effectiveness; currently, it is presented as a theoretical model based on best current evidence regarding ACL injury and rehabilitation of neurophysiologic dysfunction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Neural plasticity: The substratum of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation

BACKGROUND

The plastic nature of the human brain lends itself to experience and training-based structural changes leading to functional recovery. Music, with its multimodal activation of the brain, serves as a useful model for neurorehabilitation through neuroplastic changes in dysfunctional or impaired networks. Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) contributes to the field of neurorehabilitation using this rationale.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to present a discourse on the concept of neuroplasticity and music-based neuroplasticity through the techniques of NMT in the domain of neurological rehabilitation.

METHODS

The article draws on observations and findings made by researchers in the areas of neuroplasticity, music-based neuroplastic changes, NMT in neurological disorders and the implication of further research in this field.

RESULTS

A commentary on previous research reveal that interventions based on the NMT paradigm have been successfully used to train neural networks using music-based tasks and paradigms which have been explained to have cross-modal effects on sensorimotor, language and cognitive and affective functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodal gains using music-based interventions highlight the brain plasticity inducing function of music. Individual differences do play a predictive role in neurological gains associated with such interventions. This area deserves further exploration and application-based studies.

Flavonoids as a Natural Enhancer of Neuroplasticity-An Overview of the Mechanism of Neurorestorative Action

Neuroplasticity is a complex physiological process occurring in the brain for its entire life. However, it is of particular importance in the case of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Neurological recovery largely depends on the ability to reestablish the structural and functional organization of neurovascular networks, which must be pharmacologically supported. For this reason, new forms of therapy are constantly being sought. Including adjuvant therapies in standard treatment may support the enhancement of repair processes and restore impaired brain functions. The common hallmark of nerve tissue damage is increased by oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, the studies on flavonoids with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as a potential application in neuro intervention have been carried out for a long time. However, recent results have revealed another important property of these compounds in CNS therapy. Flavonoids possess neuroprotective activity, and promote synaptogenesis and neurogenesis, by, among other means, inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. This paper presents an overview of the latest knowledge on the impact of flavonoids on the plasticity processes of the brain, taking into account the molecular basis of their activity.

Towards a pedagogical model of teaching with ICTs for mathematics attainment in primary school: A review of studies 2008-2018

This article reviews literature in the field of ICTs in teaching/learning mathematics at an elementary school level. The findings to date in the field of teaching with technology in mathematics classrooms are very conflictual, with some studies indicating that ICTs impact positively on achievement through altering pedagogy, while other studies indicate that the effect on achievement and pedagogy is in fact negative. The current paper seeks to address the conflictual data by analysing a variety of meta-analyses and studies in order to answer the following questions: Does pedagogy alter with the use of ICTs in grade 6 mathematics classrooms and if so, in what ways does it vary? Secondly, does student achievement in mathematics change with the use of ICTs as teaching tools and if so, in what ways does it do so? Findings from the review indicate that student achievement in mathematics can be positively impacted using technology, depending on the pedagogical practices used by teachers. Technology on its own appears to have no significant impact on student's attainment. There is a dearth of findings regarding pedagogical variation with ICTs outside of a single meta-analysis that indicates that a ‘constructivist’ approach to teaching/learning with technology is the most effective approach to developing students' conceptually. Due to this gap in the literature, the paper outlines a theoretical framework for providing a nuanced study of pedagogical variation with ICTs drawing on Cultural Historical Activity Theory and TPACK that can track pedagogical change along various dimensions.

Achieving Neuroplasticity in Artificial Neural Networks through Smart Cities

Through the Internet of things (IoT), as promoted by smart cities, there is an emergence of big data accentuating the use of artificial intelligence through various components of urban planning, management, and design. One such system is that of artificial neural networks (ANNs), a component of machine learning that boasts similitude with brain neurological networks and its functioning. However, the development of ANN was done in singular fashion, whereby processes are rendered in sequence in a unidimensional perspective, contrasting with the functions of the brain to which ANN boasts similitude, and in particular to the concept of neuroplasticity which encourages unique complex interactions in self-learning fashion, thereby encouraging more inclusive urban processes and render urban coherence. This paper takes inspiration from Christopher Alexander’s Nature of Order and dwells in the concept of complexity theory; it also proposes a theoretical model of how ANN can be rendered with the same plastic properties as brain neurological networks with multidimensional interactivity in the context of smart cities through the use of big data and its emerging complex networks. By doing so, this model caters to the creation of stronger, richer, and more complex patterns that support Alexander’s concept of “wholeness” through the connection of overlapping networks. This paper is aimed toward engineers with interdisciplinary interest looking at creating more complex and intricate ANN models, and toward urban planners and urban theorists working on the emerging contemporary concept of smart cities.